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Texas A&M football: Can Aggies earn early-season statement win over Auburn?

By Shelbie Warr

CLEMSON, SOUTH CAROLINA - SEPTEMBER 07: Kellen Mond #11 of the Texas A&M Aggies drops back to pass against the Clemson Tigers during their game at Memorial Stadium on September 07, 2019 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CLEMSON, SOUTH CAROLINA - SEPTEMBER 07: Kellen Mond #11 of the Texas A&M Aggies drops back to pass against the Clemson Tigers during their game at Memorial Stadium on September 07, 2019 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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In a game that is pivotal for both teams, Auburn hits the road to face Texas A&M football. Here is everything you need to know about this matchup.

In his two years as a starter, whether by injury or as the official starter, Kellen Mond has not beaten Auburn. It looked as if he had that win a season ago, but it was lost within the last five, or so, minutes of the fourth quarter as the Aggies coughed up a 10-point lead.

Now, the Aggies stare down the barrel of SEC play and it starts with those same Auburn Tigers that may have kept them from a 10-win season a year ago.

This one is pivotal for both teams if either wants to really compete in the SEC West this season.

Here is how you can catch this one:

Date: Saturday, Sept. 21
Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
Location: College Station, Texas
Venue: Kyle Field
TV: CBS
Live Stream: CBS Sports App

Betting Odds

Odds courtesy of Bovada

Line: Texas A&M -3.5
Over/Under: 47.5

Keys to Victory

Neither team will really be able to establish a running game due to strong defensive play, so for both teams, it will come to quarterback play and who is able to make those passes downfield. Mond has had some overthrows and receivers making drops that just won’t fly in SEC play.

That being said, Bo Nix is young and he hasn’t been entirely accurate so far this season. He put together a strong drive to beat Oregon, but the rest of that game was less than stellar for the young gun.

This will also be a battle of field position. The Aggies have a better special teams unit and if they can keep the Tigers on their own side of the field, they have the chance to pull off the upset. And yes, since the Aggies are the lower-ranked team, I would consider it an upset. If the Tigers can move the ball and convert third downs though, this one could get interesting at Kyle Field.

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Prediction

The Aggies and the Tigers both need this game, but it will come down to experience at the quarterback position and who can make those critical conversion plays and maybe even a long field goal or two. It’ll be a low-scoring affair for sure and will come down to the fourth quarter.

Final Score: Texas A&M 24, Auburn 17